Bus tour kicks off campaign

The United Way Kickoff started a little differently this year. The kickoff, which typically takes place at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee, began as a bus tour.

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By Carmen Bourlon

The Shawnee News-Star

By Carmen Bourlon

Posted Sep. 20, 2012 at 9:40 PM
Updated Sep 20, 2012 at 10:43 PM

By Carmen Bourlon

Posted Sep. 20, 2012 at 9:40 PM
Updated Sep 20, 2012 at 10:43 PM

SHAWNEE

The United Way Kickoff started a little differently this year. The kickoff, which typically takes place at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee, began as a bus tour.

Utilizing the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club bus, attendees were able to travel to the different organizations supported by the United Way, including the Salvation Army and South Central Industries.

This was a way for supporters to see their dollars in action, Kevin Orsak, Campaign Drive Chairman for the United Way, said.

During the tour, attendees played a game, similar to a trivia show, during which they answered questions about the different organizations.

After the tour, which also visited Gateway to Prevention and Recovery and Family Promise, the tour returned to the YMCA for an agency fair.

Those present at the agency fair included Project Safe, Pottawatomie County 4-H and Mission Shawnee.

During the fair, United Way supporters were given awards, including Vision Bank and the Clinic Pharmacy.

Supporters will be contacted throughout the year so that the United Way may reach their goal of $625,000 this year, Orsak said.

The United Way is incredibly helpful for the Salvation Army, Lieutenant Philip Canning said.

"They make possible – financially – a lot of the things we do as a non-profit in the community," Canning said. "It's nice to have another non-profit in the area assist with fundraising."

"We're thankful for what the United Way does for the community," he added.